Bella Belen embraces pressure as top rookie pick, eyes PVL title with Capital1

UAAP standout Bella Belen was the expected first overall pick by the Capital1 Solar Spikers during the 2025 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Rookie Draft held Sunday, June 8, at Novotel Manila.

A month after the draft, Belen officially signed with Capital1. While contract details were undisclosed, PVL rules guarantee first-round picks a minimum three-year deal with a salary floor of ₱165,000.

The 23-year-old is set to make her professional debut in the upcoming 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference and is embracing the pressure that comes with being the top pick.

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“My expectation for myself is to surpass what I showed in the UAAP. We have a young team, but I feel like we can fight and reach the finals. We just need to take it game by game,” Belen told media.

Matapos ang kanyang national team duties, sa wakas ay maglalaro na si Bella Belen para sa sa parating na PVL Reinforced Conference. 📷 Enchong Nicolas pic.twitter.com/LqnURhQ6sR

— Fastbreak (@fastbreaknewsph) October 2, 2025

Known for her versatility, leadership, and composure, Belen boasts an impressive collegiate resume — leading the Lady Bulldogs to three UAAP championships and earning three Most Valuable Player honors.

“I love being challenged, no matter the league or opponents. There’s pressure as a rookie, but I take it as a privilege,” she said. “Looking at our players, I believe we can keep up with any team. We just need to work three times harder to achieve our goals.”

Belen joins a Capital1 roster featuring fellow Alas Pilipinas standout Leila Cruz, veteran setter Iris Tolenada, Trisha Genesis, and Roma Mae Doromal. Since joining the PVL in 2024, the Solar Spikers have yet to advance past the quarterfinals. With Belen’s arrival, the team aims to break through and contend for a podium finish.

The 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference kicks off on Tuesday, October 7, with Capital1 opening their campaign against the Choco Mucho Flying Titans at the Ynares Center in Montalban.

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